opera behaving like its a new install[again!]

turned the pc on this morning and lo & behold i've once again lost all my notes and bookmarks.
speed dial was showing even though i always have it hidden.
its like its a brand new install.
this is the 2nd time this has happened!

i'm so close to abandoning opera even though i've used it for many years. i don't know which other browser i'd use thats suitable for linux mint.